James Poole 'backs himself' in sink-or-swim contract

JAMES Poole effectively arrived at the JD Stadium this week on an extended trial after signing non-contract terms.

The former Hartlepool striker answered the call from manager David Flitcroft, who had expected to go into the season with just two fit strikers.

Bury’s manager continues to bide his time in his search for long-term reinforcements, but revealed he was happy take a closer look at Poole after the 24-year-old agreed to sign a temporary deal.

“He’s really backed himself,” said Flitcroft. “He’s on a non-contract basis, which could limit his options going forward.

“He played against us (in pre-season) for Melbourne and looked quite lively and sharp.

“He’s done three or four training sessions with us. We didn’t think he would sign on a non-contract basis but he has done which has given us an opportunity. But he is really fighting for his football future and we will see where that one takes us.

“The money he has come in for, he really has backed himself to win a place and earn a contract here. It gives us a fantastic opportunity to see what he is like with the group and how he settles into what we are trying to do.”

Poole, who started his career as a trainee at Macclesfield before being snapped up by Manchester City, went on to score 13 times in 74 appearances for Hartlepool.

Whether he gets the chance to improve on that goalscoring ratio at Bury will depend much on his form over the next few weeks.

However, it looks as if Bury are still working hard behind the scenes on other options.

Accrington manager James Beattie revealed this week that his chairman had turned down an offer for 22-year-old forward Kai Naismith, describing the sum, which is thought to be in the region of £20,000, as “nowhere near their valuation”.

Flitcroft also confirmed that he continues to look into a season-long loan for Barnsley’s Danny Rose.

Yes there is no doubt that had the Gaffer been able make quality substitutions which can impact on the teams performance then with or without poor refereeing decisions I am sure the result on Tuesday would have been different.
Once Lowey and Nards went off there was nobody to hold up the ball and then as a consequence they put us under immense pressure eventually resulting in us losing that game.
It's ok doing your business early but not if the squad is depleted and resources are stretched as is the case right now.
I expect us to bring in one or two quality loan signings when the main transfer window shuts and other clubs have realised that they are top heavy with players who need game time.

Yes there is no doubt that had the Gaffer been able make quality substitutions which can impact on the teams performance then with or without poor refereeing decisions I am sure the result on Tuesday would have been different.
Once Lowey and Nards went off there was nobody to hold up the ball and then as a consequence they put us under immense pressure eventually resulting in us losing that game.
It's ok doing your business early but not if the squad is depleted and resources are stretched as is the case right now.
I expect us to bring in one or two quality loan signings when the main transfer window shuts and other clubs have realised that they are top heavy with players who need game time.Eileenshakers